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Many of the items in Mining Review's first year mention the national coal shortage of 1947-48. This one tackles a different shortage: in a rapidly expanding industry, living space for miners is becoming increasingly scarce, with existing homes (many of which are up to a hundred years old) often housing two or more families. The Wilkes family, formerly of Compton Street, Holmwood, Derbyshire, are lucky. Formerly having to sleep five to one room, they gradually moved up the waiting list until they have finally been given the chance to move a specially constructed prefabricated dwelling, within easy reach of both the colliery and the shops, and with at least a reasonable array of modern conveniences. The commentary stresses the ease of construction of their new home, which can be assembled within 23 minutes once all the components have arrived. This emphasis on speed ends the film on a typically upbeat note, as does the revelation although three thousand Derbyshire miners remain to be rehoused, they have priority over other workers. Michael Brooke
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Complete film (2:28)
